Aromatherapy consists of the use of aromatic compounds extracted from plants, essential oils, for medical purposes.

Originally practiced according to a traditional approach, this branch of herbal medicine was similar to naturopathy, classified among non-conventional medicines.

Aromatherapy is, for example, effective against certain infections (the antibacterial and anti-infectious effects of essential oils are now scientifically proven), as well as against headaches and certain arthralgias, but they do not seem to relieve menstrual pain or labor-related during childbirth. However, it remains difficult to study its effects because the same plant or variety, grown in different contexts (soil, season, variety, nutrients, altitude, etc.), has different contents and types of oil and the frequencies, dosages and periods of use may vary to treat the same symptom.